SUMMER
Inverell FEATURE
BARELLAN
Magnificent Tenterfield Garden
‘Good Old Days’
Festival
Showcasing best of ruralNew and New South Wales Showcasing the best the of rural and regional South regional Wales & Southern Queensland
SERVICE INFORMATION MARKETING
Providing modern, innovative and cost efficient wool handling and marketing for over 40 years
PICTURED [ABOVE RIGHT] Stephen Quirk
Northern Regional Manager [RIGHT] Andrew Friend Tamworth Store Manager
Wool store locations Forbes Tamworth Cooma
(02) 6851 4000 (02) 6760 7577 (02) 6452 3130
jemalongwool.com.au
PROUDLY AUSTRALIAN OWNED
TO RECEIVE 10% OFF USE CODE BOOTS10 www.baxterfootwear.com.au
CENTRAL WEST LIFESTYLE PTY LTD Trading as Regional Lifestyle Magazine ABN 151 6322 9418
CONTENT COVERAGE AREA
ADDRESS PO BOX 1050 DUBBO NSW 2830 PHONE 0429 441 086 WEBSITE www.lifestylemagazine.net.au FACEBOOK @RegionalLifestyleMagazine INSTAGRAM @RegionalLifestyleMagazine PUBLISHERS, ACCOUNTS & ADVERTISING Elizabeth & Alex Tickle info@lifestylemagazine.net.au EDITOR Elizabeth Tickle editor@lifestylemagazine.net.au CHIEF WRITER & PHOTOGRAPHER Jake Lindsay roderick.lindsay2@outlook.com ART DIRECTOR Zora Regulic artdirector@lifestylemagazine.net.au
DISTRIBUTION Regional Lifestyle Magazine is published quarterly (available at the beginning of each season) and distributed to selected newsagents and retail outlets within the Central West and in the surrounding regions of the Far West, New England & North West, Riverina & Southern Slopes, the Monaro, Southern Highlands, Canberra, Northern and Eastern suburbs of Sydney, in addition to a selection of other rural and coastal areas of New South Wales. Subscriptions and back issues are also available to read online, on desktop and mobile devices. Unsold magazines are distributed to cafes, health waiting rooms, quality hotels/motels, bed and breakfast establishments, hair and beauty salons and tourist outlets.
Regional Lifestyle showcases authentic content from across rural and regional New South Wales. The heart of the magazine is in the Central West of the state, but a great story knows no boundaries. We are continually amazed by the innovation, inspiration and spirit that we find time and time again in communities both within the Central West and further afield. It is our passion and privilege to bring these stories to you.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE To order a subscription or back issue (mailed or online), visit www.lifestylemagazine.net.au © Central West Lifestyle Pty Ltd 2023 All Rights Reserved No part of this magazine may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted, without the prior written consent of the publisher. While every care is taken in the publication of Regional Lifestyle Magazine, the publishers will not be held responsible for omissions, errors or their subsequent effects.
Pegasus Media & Logistics is an environmentally responsible printing company that is committed to helping achieve a sustainable environment. To underscore our commitment to environmental sustainability, Pegasus Media & Logistics is FSC® (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified as well as being ISO 14001 accredited. Paper and paper-based materials carrying the FSC® symbol can be tracked back to their source, guaranteeing they come from forests which are managed to meet the social, economic and ecological needs of present and future generations. Pegasus Media & Logistics is also an accredited ISO 9001:2008 supplier, which ensures each step of our production process is aligned with world’s best practice to deliver the finest quality possible. Together these accreditations offered by Pegasus Media & Logistics, offer our clients a guarantee that their printed products are produced by world’s best practice environmental and finest quality standards.
2 RLM
GO OD AYS OLD D l
146
Festiva
198
170
188
160
CONTENTS ISSUE 43 SUMMER 2023
48
LEEP IN STYLE: Facing the worst S drought in history, woolgrower Julie Bird launched her own brand of Merino apparel. 58 SELF-MADE MAN: Aged just 14, Peter Kearsey left the Mother Country to forge a new life in the Lucky Country. 89 TRACTOR KING: Tom Horwood has one of this country’s largest collections of tractors and farm machinery. 102 RINGSIDE SEAT: Every town needs people like Bob Bensley OAM in its ranks, a man constantly working for the good of others. 146 THE GOOD OLD DAYS: Tiny Barellan, population 328, pulls together to draw 6000 visitors each October long weekend.
4 RLM
SUMMER
Inverell FEATURE
BARELLAN
Magnificent Tenterfield Garden
‘Good Old Days’
GARDEN
Festival
170 M ASTERPIECE: In a quiet, secluded valley between Glen Innes and Tenterfield lies one of the state’s most amazing gardens.
WEDDINGS
198 B EAUTIFUL BRIDES: Weddings celebrated at Inverell, Dubbo, Oberon and Tweed Heads.
THE LAST WORD
208 A LICK AND A PROMISE: At 97, Keith Bloomfield is possibly Australia’s oldest full-time farmer.
$15.00 inc GST SUMMER 2023 VOLUME 43
>
COUNTRY CHARACTERS
160 B ORN TO FLY: One young man is determined to pay it forward in his role as a pilot with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. 188 THIRTY YEARS RACE PAST: People came from near and far to enjoy the colour, excitement and fun of racing at Lockhart.
608002
NCORE: With so much to lure visitors to E Inverell, it’s little wonder RLM felt once was not enough!
772201
18
Showcasing of regional rural New and South regional South Wales Showcasing thethe best ofbest rural and Wales &New Southern Queensland
9
INVERELL TOWN FEATURE
ON THE COVER
The Inverell Court House, built in 1886, is one of the most historically significant and architecturally impressive buildings in Inverell. Image: Don Fuchs; Destination NSW
S P R I N G story name
FROM THE PUBLISHERS
Holidays ahead Every life comes with its challenges, some big and some small. Every challenge is a chance to build our secret weapon, strength. It’s that little voice in your heart that whispers “you can do it”.
Welcome to summer
We hope you enjoyed the beautiful months of spring with all of nature’s beauty and splendour. Now we’re stepping into summer and weather-wise, it’s shaping up to be one to test us. The positive is that summer means it’s the holiday season, time to slow down and spend time with family and special friends.
Spring 2023
We were extremely thrilled to see the welcome received by the Spring 2023 edition featuring Moree. The stunning wheat harvesting cover was certainly a drawcard in attracting attention. Lots of positive feedback followed (see the Your Letters page). We sent copies all over Australia, often to past residents of Moree and to people interested in future visits to the area.
Summer 2023
Due to popular demand, Summer 2023 features Inverell version two, very different to our first feature in Summer 2021. The Inverell Shire Council had no hesitation in booking a second feature, due to the huge success of the original. They also noticed an increase in tourism, visitation, tree changes and business interest. Our family was one of the “business interest” results. We loved what the area had to offer so much that we bought a heritage home, Balmoral Inverell, in early 2022 and created an Airbnb. You will see our story on page 68 in this issue.
Next features
The next two features mark our move into Southern Queensland. We are busily working on the feature for Autumn 2024, the Goondiwindi Council area which also includes Yelarbon, Inglewood and Texas. Lots of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and success stories were discovered in this region. We’re very excited to bring you this 100-page feature in autumn, released in mid-February. In Winter 2024 we head to the Southern Downs region including Warwick and Stanthorpe. This region is overflowing with tourist attractions. We plan to tell you some incredible stories about the people, places and events which make it so unique.
RLM out and about
We have enjoyed taking the RLM stand to the Iandra Castle Open Days at Greenthorpe, Henty Machinery Field Days, the Australian National Field Days, Borenore and Crookwell Open Gardens. It’s always great to meet new people, sell back copies and our Collector’s Edition Volume 2 as well as share ideas for future stories. Anna Rose (RLM proofreader and sub-editor) and Jake Lindsay took the RLM stand to The Good Old Days Festival at Barellan. Anna was able to promote her new book she has written, a biography on country music legend Chad Morgan. Jake Lindsay spent much of the two days at the festival completing photography and interviewing iconic Australians. The result of his work features in the second half of this edition, Spotlight on The Good Old Days.
6 RLM
FROM TOP: RLM Publishers Elizabeth and Alex Tickle; the Inverell area is renowned for its rich soils which regularly produce high-yielding crops. Images: Jake Lindsay and Julie Wright King.
With sadness
It is with deep sorrow we share the news of our friend Chris Lisle’s tragic passing in late September. Chris’s inspirational story appeared in the Spring 2022 edition of Lifestyle on page 134. Chris is from the New England town of Walcha and loved and supported the Hereford cattle industry throughout his entire life. Chris will be greatly missed by his family, friends and cattle industry stalwarts.
Wishes for the holiday season
The Regional Lifestyle team wishes you and your family a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with happiness, good health and peace.
Warm regards, Elizabeth and Alex
6 ARTESIAN THERMAL POOLS SPACIOUS MOTEL STYLE UNITS DRIVE THROUGH POWERED SITES UNPOWERED SITES DELUXE CABINS
THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF OUR ARTESIAN WATER ∙ Relief from musculoskeletal problems ∙ Relief from arthritic pain ∙ Improved sleep ∙ Stimulation of the lymphatic system ∙ Detoxifying effect ∙ Improved circulation ∙ A general feeling of wellbeing ∙ Rejuvenation & rehydration of the skin
WE ARE SOCIAL @gwydircaravanpark gwydir_thermal_pools
MOREE, NSW 02 6752 2723 ∙ 0427 522 723 www.gwydircarapark.com.au enquiries@gwydircarapark.com.au
SU PR MIM N EGRstory fromname the boundary fence
SAPPHIRE CITY MAGIC Howdy, trendsetters! It’s almost Christmas, that special time of giving and sharing. Our little present to you, dear reader, is another bumper issue of ripping yarns and images from our favourite spots in regional NSW. Soon our dedicated team will be heading off into new, unexplored regions of southern Queensland. Stay tuned! It seems a lifetime ago when we kicked off this little adventure, and now you have our 43rd edition in your hot little hands. So, sit back in your favourite reading chair and pore over our latest efforts, started in earnest six months ago. We seldom return to a town, but Inverell (featured in 2021) was the exception. With so many stories yet to be told, it deserved a second look-in. Like five-star General Douglas MacArthur, we returned to finish the job. It’s a good thing we did otherwise you might never have had the chance to read our story on historic Inverell station and its intrinsic link to the birth of the nearby town bearing the same name. Or the noble story of The Kurrajongs, a hardy band of 114 army volunteers who farewelled their loved ones at the train station in early 1916 en route to the killing fields of France and Belgium. While many paid the ultimate price, their brave efforts have not been forgotten. We also bring you the story of Myall Creek station, another cracking yarn from the other side of town. The magnificent old homestead is now headquarters for the McGregor family, pioneering farmers who have been on the land since the goldrush days. The bustling streets of Inverell are full of people with stories – the thing is, you don’t normally get the opportunity to hear them. This is where we step in. I’ve been writing yarns about country characters since the demise of the typewriter in the early 1980s (where did all those years
8 RLM
go?) and still feel blessed so many are willing to share their lives with a total stranger. Every one of us has a story, that’s true, but rarely do I stumble across humble men the calibre of Peter Kearsey, who survived a shocking childhood in post-war England to become a much-loved citizen in a small country town on the other side of the world. He insists he’s just a simple, ordinary bloke but after hearing his remarkable life story it’s impossible not to be inspired by his resilience, drive and ultimate forgiveness. Then there are people like siblings Richard and Beth Farrell, who have spent eight decades living in the same old family home – content with what they have and never looking for, or expecting, anything more. Having returned to Coonabarabran to the same home where I grew up in the 1960s, I know the feeling. That’s what makes those families who have managed to survive on the same farm for countless generations so very special. It’s all but impossible to describe in words the ability to carry the hopes and aspirations of your forebears, year after year – and survive whatever Mother Nature and the markets throw at you. In this edition you will read about delightful 97-year-old farmer Keith Bloomfield, and his unlikely secret ingredient for lasting health and happiness. And Tom Horwood, the Tractor King, who has amassed one of the biggest collections in the land. Persistence and dedication are two words that come to mind – along with an understanding wife and healthy outlook on life. Our magazine would not survive these challenging economic times without the strong and valued contribution from the many go-ahead businesses featured within these pages. Read their stories and you will want to go out of your way to support them.
Two local families have done an exemplary job of giving new life to two grand old pubs in Inverell’s main streets. Their painstaking restoration of the Oxford on Otho is something of which every Inverellite should be immensely proud. My stay at the RSM Club Motel was the best, with many a hearty meal enjoyed next door at the club bistro. Sleeping on the most comfortable mattress I’ve yet encountered gave me the energy to make each day a winner in this beautiful New England town. I didn’t have to walk far to watch my first AFL game, visit the well-attended markets on the scenic Macintyre River or indulge in a splendid meal at the Riverside Cafe next to the Information Centre. Chef Sanjib Lamichhane, all the way from Nepal, will take your tastebuds to new levels. You will also find some encouraging stories from Ashford, a small town looking at innovative measures to ensure a bright future for the tiny community. Once again, I thank my dear friend and fellow wordsmith Anna Rose for her valued input in bringing the best of this great regional hub to the printed page. I hope the season of Christmas brings you great joy, surrounded by friends, family and loved ones. I’ll raise a glass with all of you to 2024, a year destined to be our best ever, I’m sure! Thought for the day: Good things come to those who wait. Better things come to those who don’t give up, and the best things come to those who never stop believing. Until next time, keep it country.
Jake Lindsay
FROM TOP LEFT: One of the friendly (and rather vocal) Inverell locals; you’re welcome in Inverell; National Transport Museum volunteer Peter Bates with RLM’s Anna Rose.
McPhail’s Furniture offer a flat rate delivery fee of $59 across all of NSW, VIC and South East SA (including Adelaide).
Ph: 03 5721 6058 wangaratta@mcphails.com.au 54 Tone Road Wangaratta, Victoria 3677
mcphails.com.au
SUMMER 202 3 CONTRIBUTORS
meet your team
ELIZABETH TICKLE
ALEX TICKLE
Publisher, Editor, Advertising
JAKE LINDSAY
Chief Writer & Photographer
ZORA REGULIC Art Director
ANNA ROSE
JENNIFER HARDEN Writer, Photographer, Social Media
Website Developer, Advertising Designer, Writer
Advertising Designer
SALLY MARCEAU
MELISSA DUNKERLEY
JANE SANDERSON
ELIZABETH GRANT
LYNNE WALKER
MADELEINE JONES
ANNA CONN
LIZ TICKNER
LORRAINE HILLS
KERRI TOM
LARA FLANAGAN
CATHERINE PLAYER
ZENIO LAPKA
ASSOC PROFESSOR SOL QURASHI
SUE CURLEY
MATT BEAVER
JOHN CURLEY
Sub-editor, Proofreader & Writer
Wedding Writer
Writer
Photographer
10 RLM
Publisher, Distribution, Advertising
Writer
Writer
Health and Wellness Writer
KATE BOSHAMMER
Garden writer
Photographer
Writer
Garden photographer
Photographer
Photographer
Advertising Designer
Writer
Writer
RLM Accountant
Kensington is a beautiful, luxuriously furnished home for the exclusive purpose of short term stays. Boasting two queen and two king single beds plus a queen sized sofa, we can comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests.
96 Murrayfield Drive Dubbo, NSW, 2830
Kensington presents the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Ideal for families, couples, friends travelling together or corporate stays. We have everything you need for your luxury escape in Dubbo.
Book online: www.lifestylestays.net.au E: info@lifestylestays.net.au
S U M M E R feedback
your letters Regional Lifestyle Magazine captured our diverse culture, activities, businesses and points of interest so well. Even with 122 pages, it wasn’t enough to encompass all we have on offer in the Moree Plains shire. This highly crafted and professional edition showcases the Moree Plains perfectly through stunning visuals and real people, encapsulating the essence of where we choose to live, work and play. The flow-on effects from having had the Moree Plains Shire featured in the Spring 2023 edition will continue to bring prosperity to the shire for some time to come, as the publication is a chance for us to showcase the best of our shire to attract visitors, investors, and new residents. Moree shire is not just a beautiful place to visit, but also a welcoming and supportive community to be a part of. My fellow councillors and I would like to thank all the businesses that took this opportunity to contribute to the high-quality content that captures the authenticity of life in the Moree Plains. As Mayor, I could not be prouder to showcase the Moree Plains to the rest of the world. Cr Mark Johnson, Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor
The opportunity to work with Regional Lifestyle Magazine presented council with a platform to create a compelling narrative that would make readers want to experience the Moree shire for themselves. In addition to the physical beauty of the shire, the magazine also emphasised the cultural heritage, business opportunities, and community spirit that make our community special. The publication allows council to present in hard copy and online, the opportunities our shire offers for business and investment, a potential for growth and success in our community well into the future generations. Rebel Woodham, Moree Plains Shire Council
Congratulations to Elizabeth, Alex, and their amazing team, on the publication of such a wonderful magazine. It is so exciting to receive the magazines in the post and to experience a reconnection with the areas of New South Wales where I grew up. So many inspiring stories in the Winter 2023 magazine but the article on The Shed in Gilgandra, highlighting Bettina and Natalie’s resourcefulness and determination to bring much needed services to the area, really struck a chord with us. Keep up the good work. Lyn and Tony Young, Victory Heights, QLD
I recently became a stockist of Regional Lifestyle, as the Spring issue’s feature was Moree. My newsagency is located in Mungindi, a small town within the Moree Plains shire. This magazine is beautifully presented, with wonderful stories and terrific photography about the many communities and the interesting people who live in them. The magazine has been extremely popular in our little town, with some coming back for another copy! Thank you for the great read, and the opportunity to have this great magazine on my shelves. Virginia Grey, Mungindi Newsagency
The experience of reading the Spring 2023 edition featuring Moree was very nostalgic for me. Being a former resident of the Moree district, I recognised so many familiar faces and names. It was very special to see places from my childhood and read the well-written stories accompanying them. I had copies sent to me and was very excited to give them to friends and family, who all thoroughly enjoyed them. I even sent a copy to New Zealand to a family member. A big congratulations to the team at Lifestyle for their continued efforts to share the best of rural and regional areas with us all. Diana Brown (nee Manchee) , Yarraman, QLD
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK info@lifestylemagazine.net.au FOLLOW REGIONAL LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE Facebook Instagram Facebook “f ” Logo
12 RLM
CMYK / .eps
Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
Building Brilliance from the Ground Up Visit TAS Scholarship & Open Day – Monday 19 February 2024 TAS is a vibrant co-educational boarding and day school in the heart of the New England for prekindergarten to Year 12. Not only do we focus on academic success, but we offer a diverse curriculum for students to build a strong sense of self. Register Now for TAS Scholarship & Open Day Monday 19 February, 2024
MAKE TAS THE ONE FOR YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER
For enquiries, call our Enrolments Registrar, Jo Neilson on (02) 6776 5800.
as.edu.au
Why choose a Retirement Village? A retirement village may be the perfect solution that you are seeking, regardless of whether you are single or a couple. Retirement living opens up a world of possibilities
In an Oak Tree Retirement Village, you continue to
for seniors, offering an array of benefits that
live independently as you always have, however
enhance quality of life. From low-maintenance
the communal areas of the premises such as
living and engaging social connections to
gardens, roads, paths, swimming pool and facilities
convenient services and the freedom to explore
are managed by Oak Tree. With access to these
new adventures; retirement communities
shared spaces, facilities and various services, you
provide a fulfilling and enriching lifestyle.
gain all the benefits of a ready-made community.
For nearly twenty years, Oak Tree Retirement
Our villages are also ‘communities within
Villages have remained committed to their goal
communities’, with strong ties to their local
of making the possibility of a secure, worry-
area. Every Oak Tree village has a different look
free retirement a reality for everyone.
and feel, depending on its location, landscape,
We pride ourselves on maintaining a more personalised, boutique approach. The benefits of this are many, but first and foremost, we are able to put our people first and as a result
building style and the range of facilities that are offered, but every single one is underpinned by this same philosophy and commitment to delivering the ultimate in retirement village living.
the communities we build are close-knit ones,
Retirement marks a significant transition in
being surrounded by like-minded people who
life, and for many individuals, it presents an
genuinely love their community and enjoy getting
opportunity to explore new avenues and
on with life, rather than retiring from it.
embrace a different lifestyle. Retirement living
Living alongside like-minded individuals creates an environment ripe for companionship and
offers seniors a host of benefits that enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
lifelong friendships. Shared interests and social
We encourage you to get in touch, come and
events provide countless opportunities to connect,
visit, chat to some of our residents and see
collaborate, and embark on new adventures together.
for yourself our Oak Tree communities.
The supportive network of peers becomes an invaluable asset, warding off loneliness and enriching the daily lives of residents.
Call 1300 367 155 oaktreegroup.com.au
T O W N F E AT U R E Inverell
Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
INVERELL TOWN FE ATUR E
INVERELL T OW N F E AT U R E
Jewel in the New England crown from the Mayor of Inverell When we were approached almost two-and-a-half years ago by Regional Lifestyle Magazine, we were impressed by the quality of the publication and what it had to offer. To say we were pleased with the way in which our initial feature turned out is an understatement. To date, the Inverell issue was the highest selling issue of the magazine, something of which we are all enormously proud. When the opportunity arose to partner with RLM once more, we jumped at the chance. Inverell continues to grow and flourish in an environment which has its challenges, including the rising cost of living. The community is highly resilient and always punches above its weight. Construction of new homes has increased, and the CBD is looking magnificent, framed by beautiful heritage architecture and stunning trees. Council’s outdoor team does an amazing job of parks and gardens within the shire. I am constantly approached by residents and visitors who tell me how beautiful and clean the town is and how much they love coming back. Our little piece of paradise certainly is the Jewel in the crown of the New England region. For those of you who haven’t visited us previously, we have much to offer. People who come for a day find themselves staying on so they can experience all the shire and Inverell has to offer. It is not uncommon for people to come back after visiting and relocate to make Inverell their forever home. We have an almost limitless supply of water thanks to the construction of Copeton Dam all those years ago. Copeton Dam or Lake Copeton is three times the size of Sydney Harbour, with a water storage capacity of 1,367,000 megalitres. This makes Inverell the ideal place to live, invest and do business. Council is extremely supportive of business and regularly partners with the Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support local business. Council also prides itself on assisting new business to establish and grow within the community. We love showing off our community to visitors and to that end, we have one of the best Visitor Information Centres in the country to guide you as you enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, the unique landscape
18 RLM INVERELL
Council is extremely supportive of business and regularly partners with the Inverell Chamber of Commerce and Industry to support local business. and the multitude of attractions to make your stay a memorable one. I could not be prouder to call Inverell my home. I was born and raised here and have been blessed to raise my family here as well. The shire is one of positivity, supportiveness and striving for success. I take this opportunity to invite you to join me in experiencing the type of country hospitality Inverell and district has become renowned for. One thing I know for certain, once you have been to Inverell and immersed yourself in the community, you won’t be able to wait to come back, time and time again. I hope to see you soon. Cr Paul Harmon
Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
Encore performance With so much to lure visitors to Inverell and a treasure trove of local characters and success stories, it’s little wonder RLM felt once was not enough!
Inverell Shire Council is proud to once again partner with Regional Lifestyle Magazine to expand on the stories, the people and the businesses that make it a unique and beautiful part of the New England High Country Region of NSW. Inverell is ideally located only five hours from Brisbane by road and seven hours from Sydney. The NSW Trainlink service operates seven days a week and Link Airways offers flights to and from Brisbane and Sydney four days a week. Inverell is found in the beautiful Macintyre Valley in northern NSW, a stone’s throw from the Queensland border. Inverell Shire incorporates an area greater than 8000 square kilometres. The New England region is named as such, given the four distinct seasons you can experience. Depending on the type of weather you enjoy, there is a perfect time for you to come and enjoy all the shire has to offer. Inverell is home to Copeton Dam. The dam is one of the largest inland water storages in NSW with a capacity of 1,367,000 megalitres, three times that of Sydney Harbour at high tide.
It is one of only two inland waterways in NSW where there is no closed season on Murray cod. Council, in partnership with local businesses, held a very successful catch-and-release fishing competition in September. The top prize that lured anglers from all over was a mouth-watering $10,000! The Northern Foreshores area of Copeton hosts the longest recreational boat ramp in the Southern Hemisphere, allowing recreational anglers and boating enthusiasts access to the water no matter the conditions. An ideal camping location, the dam is a must-visit location. If sapphires are your fancy, there are still fossicking locations available for you to try your luck. If you want an easier experience, our beautiful jewellery stores have a range of incredible Inverell sapphires in store. Our magnificent CBD continues to impress visitors and residents alike. The flora is appealing and the heritage architecture framing the buildings, very impressive. If you enjoy history, or would like to know more about the area, we have an excellent heritage walk you can immerse yourself in. The walk is self-guided and can
be enjoyed with a brochure and/or an audio version on your smart device. The town is ever expanding with increased construction and development. New businesses are opening, and many new homes have been completed or are nearing completion. The Inverell shire is an amazing holiday destination and a perfect place for you plant your roots to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle. We look forward to welcoming you to Inverell shire. They say home is where the heart is. After you have spent some time here, part of your heart will never leave. RLM Images: Lawrence Furzy, Inverell Shire Council
ABOVE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Some of the wonderful places you can visit in the district: Inverell Town Hall; Toppers Mountain Wines; Goonoowigal State Conservation Area; gem display; Copeton Dam.
For more information visit: inverell.nsw.gov.au
INVERELL RLM 19
Heritage on display
Inverell has chosen to preserve its old buildings for future generations to appreciate
INVERELL RLM 21
T O W N F E AT U R E Inverell
days gone by INVERELL
Images: Inverell and District Historical Society
22 RLM MOREE
Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
Idyllic Landscapes You don’t need expensive cameras or the trained eye of a professional photographer to capture great pictures.
Coles’ deli chick Julie Wright King is living proof of that, snapping gorgeous scenes, sunsets and flowers wherever she goes. Julie grew up in her parents’ print shop in Byron Bay – a rather unconventional start to life that made a lasting impression on the young girl. “As a kid, I didn’t play on monkey bars,” she laughs. “I grew up with a Heidelberg platen press (once the workhorse of print shops all over the world) as my climbing equipment. I learnt the alphabet from the old letterpress lead type.” Her late father, Reg Wright was always interested in photography and ensured Julie knew her way around the darkroom from an early age. At 10, she was clicking away on her dad’s Yashica camera and developing 35mm and 120mm black-and-white films. In 1971, her parents founded and began printing the weekly Byron News. It was a true family effort, with all the children helping out. Over the years, the kids learnt all aspects of the trade. Julie stayed with the paper until it was sold in 1993. Her next move was to the Gold Coast to work in desktop publishing and graphic design. In 2015, Julie married childhood sweetheart Bert King, after reconnecting on Facebook. In 2020 the pair moved to Delungra to be near some of Bert’s family. Life in a small
country town is about as far away as you can get from the coast, but the move has proved beneficial in more ways than one. “I grew up at the beach but my heart, like my mother’s, was always in the country,” she says. They found a 110-year-old home in Delungra and drive most days into Inverell, where Bert works as a cleaner at the RSM club. “Photography has never been my bread and butter – it’s more of a hobby that brings me great joy,” she explains. “I take my camera everywhere I go, capturing spontaneous images of simple, beautiful things in their natural state. The landscape is constantly changing during my half-hour drive to work. I never know what to expect, especially with the sunrises and sunsets.” These days, Julie’s favourite camera is an old Nikon D90, which has never been to the repair shop after years of hard work. Like Julie, it keeps on keeping on. Julie’s love of photography was rekindled during a trip to Tasmania in 2003. She has been there 15 times, having owned some land on the Apple Isle. Julie sells her photo cards and jewellery at Sapphire City Markets run by Inverell Lions Club on the first and third Sunday of each month in Campbell Park. “People tell me my cards are too cheap ($4 for a 5x7-inch card with envelope) but
for me it’s not about the money. I get great satisfaction from making my regulars happy, while sharing my work with as many people as possible.” RLM Words: Jake Lindsay Images: Julie Wright King
ABOVE: Photographer Julie Wright King at Sapphire City Markets in Inverell. Image: Jake Lindsay.
You can view more of Julie’s images on her Facebook page, Painted Bark Studios.
INVERELL RLM 23
T O W N F E AT U R E Inverell
24 RLM INVERELL
Inverell T O W N F E AT U R E
INVERELL RLM 25